The Latest Evolution of the Notice Board

Notice boards should be something which we can be proud of. The freedom to completely customise them is what has made them such a staple addition to so many environments over the years. Unfortunately, the pinnable style, which we have become so accustomed to is gradually becoming outdated. Although, notice boards still provide a necessary service, which means they need to adapt to modern public places. For example, they need increased flexibility, which is a key factor for adaptable workplaces, offices and reception areas.

This is where the Clippy Notice Board comes in. It enshrines simplicity and flexibility at the core of the design. It is easy to move, features a professional appearance and provides freedom to customise, making it a natural successor to pinnable notice boards. Below you can discover the thinking behind the design and how it has been tailored for a variety of modern environments. There are even comparisons throughout with the more traditional pinnable notice board to help when deciding between the two.

Clippy Notice Board

The Basics: Design

The design of the Clippy Notice Board was developed around what has made its pinnable counterpart so successful. To that end, it can be customised in a variety of ways of the grip strips. These allow posters, leaflets and any lightweight material to be added without sticking pinholes through all of them. While the linear design lacks some of the freedom which you may find with its predecessor, it more than makes up for it in other departments.

For example, one of the main benefits is that the Clippy Notice Board is free-standing. Within the design is a robust yet lightweight core, which ensures they are easy to move and can adapt to any space. In particular, this makes the Clippy Notice Board ideal in busy environments, where they can be re-positioned and placed in the optimal position to be noticed. For the hospitality sector as well as businesses, this can become extremely useful when directing guests to meeting rooms and function areas.

To compliment this, the appearance of the Clippy Notice Board is tailored to be more professional as well as easier on the eye. For example, the top and bottom panels of the notice board can be customised with high-quality graphic design to promote branding as well as highlight the key content of the board. The result is a display which is more structured and organised than the pinnable counterpart. This ensures it excels when grabbing the attention of passers-by.

The Benefits of the Clippy Notice Board

To expand on that earlier point about positioning – the location of the notice board is crucial for getting the message across. We can all dream of designing the perfect display, but if it is going to get shunted to the back of the room, then it is not going to get the attention it deserves. For pinnable notice boards, this is a common drawback as all too often they end up just fading into the background.

The combat this, the Clippy Notice Board is equipped with two free-standing feet, which allows it to be deployed in any open indoor area. This positioning when combined with a clear and concise design guarantee that attention is drawn towards the content, and therefore helps to deliver any notices and announcements.

The limited options to be creative may be seen as a drawback, but in fact, there is some solid reasoning behind this decision. By keeping the core of the design the same – structured and organised, this helps to make content easier to view on the eye. Often, many pinnable designs are overcrowded with hundreds of fantastic ideas which can unfortunately drown out many of the key points being made. With the Clippy Notice Board, the appearance is kept clear and concise, delivering messages and notices to their target audience.

Clippy Notice Board

The Clippy Notice Board is designed and manufactured by Rap Industries. We have been creating bespoke office partitioning and notice boards for over 40 years. Throughout that time, our designs have developed to meet the shifting needs of the modern workplace. For more information on this notice board as well as other products we manufacture, please call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

Getting the Message Across in a Digital World

In the world of smartphones, Bluetooth headsets and tablet computers, getting a message across is an escalating challenge for marketers and businesses. Our connection to the internet means we are being bombarded by notifications throughout the day. Whether this is via our phone or e-mail inbox, we are often trapped in a perennial cycle of people trying to nudge us towards using or buying their products. So, when it comes to getting the message across, we are going to have to be creative and be unique.

Even though technology is sown into the very fabric of our lives, there is still great marketing value in notice boards. Yes, essentially those large tack boards which were a familiar addition to every classroom, ever. Admittedly, the design has evolved since those days, but their core function remains very effective in public places. Whether this is in offices, reception areas, hotels and more, their purpose is to grab a person’s attention for just a few seconds. Great design and an eye-catching message are crucial for this, which is why we’ve looked at how to make your notice boards a success.

Notice Boards – Photo: mySAPL

1. Get a Creative Member of Your Team on Board

This will be your most important starting point. If you’ve not got an eye for design, then attempting to create visually enticing notice boards could end up being a waste of your time. Even if what you have to announce isn’t quite as exciting as the latest viral trend, it needs to be able to demand the attention of a passer-by. Then by corroborating their design skills with your ideas, it is possible to create stunning notice boards and bulletin boards.

When selecting colours, deciding on fonts and finalising images, ensure you keep the location of the notice board in mind. Lighting in the room, as well as its location, will all have an impact on how it should be designed. For example, if it is placed in a large reception area, then a small dull font is not even going to warrant a glance. From here, you can begin to put together a fluid design which is personalised to impress. Even for basic announcements, a creative design can make it much easier to read on the eye.

2. Plan Where the Notice Boards Will Be Placed

A common problem with wall-mounted notice boards is that they often fade into the background. If this is in a spot where people commonly just walk past, then even an eye-catching design will not get the message across. This is why free-standing notice boards can be a much more valuable addition. Examples such as Clippy Notice Boards enable notices and announcements to be placed in the eye-line of the target audience. So even if they are glued to the screen of their phone, your content will at least be in their peripheral vision as they walk past.

The combination of a free-standing notice board with eye-catching content will help to get the message across. Importantly, they are effective in minimising the space required, leaving the area with plenty of room to manoeuvre. On top of this, they are also easy to move, enabling them to be adjusted and re-positioned for greater effect. This ultimately allows the area to be dynamic and capable of adapting to different events and visitors, depending on what is required on the day.

3. Create a Theme and Stick To It

One of the major reasons why notice boards can become so ineffective is a lack of effort being put into the design. Often, they are used in locations where people are passing through or just spending a few minutes there. As such, if the design of the content is dull and bland, then what kind of encouragement is there to take note of the message? If the announcement has been knocked up in a few minutes on a Word document, then what does this say about the importance of the notice?

To narrow down time, we recommend creating a theme and sticking to it. Even if this means spending a little longer to develop a creative template, this can then be quickly adjusted as and when required. One of the potential options here is to incorporate corporate branding to encourage people to take notice. An official design such as this makes the message appear relevant to the business and therefore relevant to the reader. As well as this, it also keeps the design of the notice boards consistent with the existing environment.

4. Notice Boards Should Be Dynamic

This final point is situational depending on the location you have. For example, if you have a reception area, then it is likely that you will have different people passing daily, meaning there is little need to adjust the design. However, if for example, it is in an office, then it is crucial to modify it to keep it fresh. This not only shows that there are new announcements but will also encourage them to glance over every day.

Simple changes keep things relevant and also gets your target audience into the habit of checking for notice changes. Ultimately, notice boards do not have to and should not be boring. You only need look online for some of the amazing creations produced by teachers for example. These are tailored to get children and adolescents looking, which is often a challenge on its own.

Clippy Notice Boards

Rap Industries are designers and manufacturers of notice boards and office partitions. By working with schools and businesses, we utilise their feedback to create products which are effective in their relevant environment. For more information on how we can help, please call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

Finding an Alternative to a Well-Worn Design

Notice boards hold a great deal of potential when it comes to displays. Their ability to be completely customised puts the creative look completely in your control. That said, the pinnable notice board still has its limitations. While the design is simple, a pinnable board will always cause permanent damage to the content you are adding. Furthermore, the clear majority of notice boards are wall-mounted. This is hardly an ideal position when so many people now have their eyes glued to their phones. A modern notice board is all about addressing these issues and ensuring that important messages and announcements stand out to their target audience.

As a small disclaimer, we are talking about notice boards in a business setting, where attracting attention is often more of a struggle. So, if you are tired of using traditional pinnable notice boards, then you are in the right place. They have consumed much of the market, so it is often to find any reasonable alternatives which are not going to cost you a ridiculous amount. As well as some of the more obvious alternatives, we’re also going to examine some more unique options which may be ideal for your environment.

Clippy Notice Board

1: The Emergence of the Free-Standing Notice Board

For busy environments, in particular, a wall-mounted notice board simply is not going to cut it. Often the content is too far away to be seen and often, it becomes an ignored background aspect. To address this, there are now free-standing notices boards. These are ideal to be set up in hallways and reception areas. Crucially, the information can then be seen clearly by all that are walking by. A unique example of this is the Clippy notice board. This modern notice board features an eye-catching design which allows content to be added via the grip rails. Not only does this prevent any damage to the content, but it is also quick and easy to use.

As a free-standing notice board, these are often the ideal addition when presenting important announcements and information. Their design is built around grabbing attention as people walk by. Then, assuming the content is clear and can be seen from a fair distance away, will convey the message even if passers-by are indulged in the screen of their mobile device. As a final caveat, they are also easy to move, ensuring they can be utilised in different areas or positions, depending on what is required.

2: Customisable and Magnetic Notice Boards

A recent trend which is growing in popularity is to opt for magnetic notice boards. Often, these double-up as a whiteboard or blackboard, offering a whole new level of creativity. While not suitable for long-form information, these excel when used to display brief updates to passers-by. Firstly, the customisable board can be easily changed and there is even room for some creative finesse when writing out the message.

Then, the inclusion of the magnetic board allows any leaflets or announcements to be conveniently added with just a few magnets. In terms of style, these offer much more than traditional pinnable notice boards. For example, a magnetic blackboard can be fantastic for more rustic environments or restaurants where snippets of information can be added and quickly changed when required. A common issue for pinnable notice boards is that their cheap price often inhibits the final design. As a result, this is a major contributor to them simply fading into the background and not fulfilling the purpose which they were purchased for.

3: Consider the Value of Digital Notice Boards

While the aforementioned options may provide a cost-effective solution, there is an option to help to really get the message across. Digital notice boards provide a unique way of displaying messages and announcements. While these are likely to stretch your budget further, they do offer the best way to display information. These electronic options often combine a low-end computer with a decent screen. For a bit extra, you can even get the two combined.

With this setup, it is possible to create interactive and enticing displays. With the introduction of the screen, it is possible to create static displays as well as using videos and animations to illustrate messages. The result is significantly more appealing to passers-by, which ultimately means a higher chance of communicating the message to the target audience.

Whatever the budget, there are now a wide variety of options available as an alternative to the traditional pinnable notice board. Often, the decision comes down to the setting. If you need a simple board just to be creative, then the pinnable is still the way to go. However, for more complex and busier environments, it is becoming increasingly necessary to have attractive visual tools to get the message across.

Clippy Notice Board

Rap Industries are manufacturers of notice boards, office partitions and acoustic pods. Our experiences over the past 40 years have moulded the design of our products today. For more information on how we can enhance your business environment, please get in touch. To do so, either call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

Implementing New Innovations for Future Growth

With the new year well underway and modern office designs taking shape, it’s about time we looked at the innovations which are leading the way. In the past, the office usually featured a static design which remained unchanged for years on end. Nowadays, the design of the office is significantly more important. While it can be a key factor in boosting productivity and stimulating creativity, it also holds several other benefits for businesses. For example, with a growing millennial workforce, a greater priority is placed upon where they work, and creating an enjoyable working environment is now important for attracting and retaining younger generations.

This point, combined with the fact that many offices are now used to host meetings and presentations has led to the office becoming an extension of the company’s brand. In addition to this, the design of the office is a key component when increasing productivity. Typically, this is achieved through creating comfortable working environments which are tailored to the strengths of its employees. As such, office design trends are evolving, far faster than they were 10 years ago. Often, these are tailored around the open office design, with the end goal focused on creating a balance between collaboration and privacy.

Modern Office Design Trends

How Office Design Trends Are Catering to the Millennial Generation

By millennial, we are talking about employees who we born after the year 1990. What distinguishes these from the rest is the fact that they were brought around modern, digital technology. For example, the mobile phone, personal computers and games consoles were freely available. As well as this, their upbringing co-aligned with an increasingly liberal education system. The result is a different set of morals and beliefs than what business owners are used to. Rather than just focusing on money, millennials are more likely to set their sights on a career which is also fulfilling.

This is where office design becomes important. By fulfilling, we’re not necessarily talking just about doing humanitarian work. In fact, much of the career advice given to millennials over the past 20 years, has been to find a job you enjoy. This means to discover a career they are happy doing every day, working in a place which is comfortable and being surrounded by like-minded individuals. Because of concerns such as these, there has been greater emphasis placed upon building a community through office design.

This idea revolves around the open plan office. Some of the key office design trends over the past decade are built around finding a balance between collaboration and privacy in such an open environment. Rather than just reverting to the cubicle design of old, instead, designers are turning towards flexibility. Because of wireless technology, there is no need for employees to become attached to a single desk. Instead, modern offices are creating spaces for collaboration to take place and others which provide complete privacy from the surrounding office.

Office Design Trends in 2017 are Focused on Utilising Technology for Success

Many of the office design trends which we are seeing this year are built around this idea of flexibility. While they can certainly cater to the newer generations, it is also important to consider older ones who will have become accustomed to existing designs. In order to make the most of the space available, permanent, private offices are a thing of the past. Therefore, it is important for modern office designs to create effective private environments which are suitable for all generations. Simply telling people to pop a pair of headphones in is not a long-term solution.

An increasingly popular option is to create versatile, acoustic booths. These are semi-permanent and incorporate advanced acoustic technology akin to what you may find in a music studio. This helps to filter out much of the ambient background noise while creating a private space which fits in with the open design. These can then be used by individuals, for group work as well as for meetings. The result is an office where employees can be flexible and work in environments which are suitable for their work.

Creating an Office Which is Future-Proof

As we alluded to at the beginning, the speed in which offices are changing is increasing every year. While they are not complete overhauls, it is necessary for the office to quickly adapt to the needs of the business. If the number of employees continues to grow, then the office must follow suit. Fortunately, an open office is far more effective at this than any other design previously. Furniture, partition screens and even acoustic pods are relatively easy to re-arrange. Then it is simply a case of making the room for additional working space.

Furthermore, with interchangeable components such as these, it is simple and more cost-effective to adapt the design over time. Furniture such as desks and partition screens will not need to be changed every year. Therefore, modern office design trends are based upon a system where components can be added and removed wherever necessary.

On the topic of furniture, adjustable desks are something we all should be looking at. As modern office design trends look towards the future, this also concerns the future of employees. Many studies have begun to reveal the damaging effects of working in an office for 8 hours or more a day. There is a need to create environments which allow people to be as active as possible. While the flexible working areas will help, it is components such as an adjustable desk which get people moving and help to safeguard against some future health issues.

Integrating Branding into Office Design

The final factor we are going to cover involves the aesthetic of the modern office. With the examples set by Silicon Valley, the recent trend has been to incorporate white spaces with colourful and vibrant colours. While this has a number of benefits, such as being able to boost people’s mood, it fails to really make the space unique.

This is one of the reasons why this year, we are increasingly seeing company branding being incorporated into colour schemes and design plans. As mentioned earlier, the office is increasingly becoming part of the marketing and promotion of an organisation. Use of bright colours can be great for a creative business as it promotes that part of their identity. However, if you are in the business of finance, then glowing yellows and dazzling greens hardly create this image of professionalism and consistency.

Modern Office Design Trends

Rap Industries are expert manufacturers of office partitions, acoustic pods and room dividers. They have designed components for organisations both large and small for over 40 years. If you wish to find out more about the services which they offer, then please call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

The Basics of Office Design

So, you’ve decided your office needs a re-design to bring it up to scratch. Well, the blueprint for what we consider to be a ‘standard office design’ has evolved substantially over the past 10 years, in part due to studies such as this. Aside from installing dedicated gyms, a swimming pool and even a spa if you fancy, this means we are having to innovate to make the office more ‘healthy’. It’s worth noting at this point that a successful office design does not consider just physical issues, but also mental. This means looking past the fancy furniture & stylish meeting spaces. Instead, it’s important to consider the little things which we will be getting onto later.

With the layout of your own office in mind, there are a few factors to keep close throughout the design process. Firstly, your staff. Everyone has their own frustrations with the office, whether it’s a lack of natural sunlight, lack of privacy or just a noisy co-worker. This feedback should be factored in at the start, as the design should be tailored to help make them happy. If the workforce is happy, then theoretically, they should be more productive and even more creative. Of course, quick disclaimer, even the perfect office design will not fix every problem within a business.

Modern Office – Photo: Bakoko

Working with the Existing Design of Your Office

Still with me? Good, now let’s start with the framework you have available. Your office; is it big or small? Multiple rooms or just one large ones? Where are the windows located? The latter is very important. Being close to a window or just being exposed to natural light is great for the mood. If you’re sat in a box in the corner of the room, things are going to get dull, fast. If you’re not graced with glass windows wrapping around the room like a New York skyscraper, then don’t worry. Knock down any interior walls which are preventing it seeping into separate corners of the office. If you desire some kind of structure, then Perspex/glass partition screens are the ideal solution.

Now, back to the first questions that were posed; what space is available? This is important as multiple rooms can provide more flexibility. One of the key issues with office work is that we often become trapped at a desk, for 8 hours a day, staring at a screen. This encourages fatigue and is one of the reasons why we start having issues with bad backs. Therefore, consider creating two separate areas; one for collaborative work, where desks are kept in close proximity and another for quiet work where distractions are kept to a minimum.

With this, your staff can move freely (laptops are a key consideration in a design like this) and work in an area which suits the work they are doing as well as the mindset they are in. Should there be space the spare, then an acoustic pod should be a consideration. These can be effective when used as a meeting room or group room.

Creating Balance Within an Office

I’ll expand on this idea of creating separate working areas. This is something which you are likely to pick up on by talking to staff. Some of them will love working side-by-side, bouncing ideas off each other and developing plans. Then there are others, often less vocal, who would rather just stick a pair of headphones on and crack on with the work at hand. Your design should be tailored to the people that work there. If nobody is bothered, then you can get away with keeping desks close together. But if your team likes their personal space and often conduct individual work, then this has to be factored into the layout.

Invest in Furniture for Long Term Gain

Furniture is always the most expensive part of any re-design. Because of this, many companies will choose to shy away from premium products to keep the overall cost down. Appropriately designed seating, partition screens, desks and peripherals are vitally important. This is because they create comfort. Even if employees are sat at a desk for a couple of hours at a time, the strain caused as a result of cheap furniture will create long term problems which could end up costing more than an ergonomic chair. Their modern design is not there to convince you to part with more of your budget. It’s there to make it easier to work and for longer – ideal when you are looking to get the most from your staff.

The Finishing Touches…

By now, you should have a strong idea of how the office is going to be laid out. Once that is set in stone, you can start to think about the interesting part – the decorating. Most modern offices have ditched those monotone colour schemes and dull shades. The reasoning is that people are hardly motivated to work in an environment which makes them feel miserable. Surprisingly, people actually like to work in places which are interesting. Therefore, you should be considering using bright colours where possible. There is nothing wrong with whitewashed walls as long as they are coupled with vibrant partitions and eye-catching furniture.

As a parting point, many indoor design experts would recommend infusing your branding into the design where possible. Whether this is a colour scheme or specific design, keep it consistent. The office should become part of a company’s identity, rather than just the place where people work. This point is crucial, especially if you are hosting guests and visitors as it helps to build your rapport with them.

Hopefully, this little post should provide the basis for you to begin designing your own office. We’ve barely touched upon elements such as the acoustics, which are an important consideration. Re-designing the office often only takes place every 5-10 years, so do your research and make sure the investment helps your business and your brand long term.

Delta Office Screens

Rap Industries have been established for over 40 years. They design and manufacture office screens and partitions bespoke to create effective and attractive working environments. You can find out more about the services they provide by calling 01733 394941 or by sending an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

Adapting Open-Plan Designs for Success

The now infamous Google offices have generated substantial debate over the years between office design experts. The futuristic design, characterised by ping-pong tables, restaurants within a few hundred yards and THAT twisting slide, create this utopian image of office design from the outside. Visitors have often gawked at the freedom afforded to employees and envisioned how such a design could be implemented within their business. A post from Lindsey Kaufman has re-surfaced in the past month which her frustrations with open office design. Back then it was an upward trend, but now it has become the norm.

Stating that Google ‘got it wrong’ I would consider being an exaggeration. However, the blueprint they created has been haphazardly applied other workspaces which are often significantly smaller. The Google offices are admittedly open, but what makes these offices unique is their flexibility. Having 31.79km2 at the Googleplex ensures there is abundant space for, quiet zones, gyms, cafés and the rest. Even relatively large businesses who take up multiple floors in tower blocks cannot hope to rival the flexibility that the Google model provides. As Lindsey found out, the result was a mess – neglecting factors which ultimately harm employee productivity and health.

Modern Office Design – Photo Courtesy of: K2 Space

The Problem with Proximity and Personal Space

Before we had the open-plan office, white collar workers endured the cubicle design often for the entirety of their working lives. When this was created, it promised to give employees privacy whilst enabling employers to cram them in like a well-played game of Tetris. Surprising really, that it took half a century to modernise such a flawed design. A simple combination of flimsy partition screens which did very little in the way of reducing audible or visual distractions. Interruptions caused by colleagues chatting, phones ringing and people passing through not only harms productivity but it triggers frustration, stress and the myriad of health issues that can result from the two.

The open office designs which we see created in the Google-style simply remove the screens and fail to address any of the issues which were harmful in the first place. For example, it’s rare for most businesses who design their own office to consider the acoustics of the area. The soundwaves reverberating from colleagues and their devices is incredibly unpredictable. This leads to persistent interruptions which are incredibly harmful to productivity. Hard surfaces such as hardwood floors and painted walls can look sublime, but they reverberate sound around the room causing it to echo. Instead; carpets, acoustic wall panels and acoustic screens should be considered to help keep ambient background noise to a minimum.

Transforming an Open Office Design into a Flexible Design

If there are multiple rooms available, then a flexible workspace is far more achievable. With all the detrimental issues associated with sitting at a desk for multiple hours a day, there has never been a better time to create an office which provides employees with freedom. Laptop computers are the key tool here (assuming they are required). Their versatility means that sitting at a desk all day is a thing of the past. Deadline approaching and you need space to focus? Take a seat in a designated quiet zone. Looking to collaborate while working through your tasks? Head over to one of the communal areas. Holding a meeting to discuss ideas as a group? There are dedicated spaces for that.

This freedom of movement is successful in several ways, but critically it appeals to a diverse workforce. We may hold ‘collaboration and innovation’ as our mantra, but throwing people together is not a guaranteed way to succeed. While some may excel in this style of an environment, others will feel overwhelmed. This risks alienating them further and creating a new batch of problems. Office design must consider the concept of introverted and extroverted workers, who are unique in their own rights and excel in contrastingly different environments. What you don’t see in the glamorous videos of the modern office is those tucked away in the corner, happily working away without the hustle and bustle of the open office.

Tailoring the Google Blueprint for Personal Use

When considering office design, it’s important to remember that most of the major corporations will have contracted expert interior designers to create a tailored office design. Their blueprints will take everything into consideration; aesthetic, acoustics, practicality and logistics. So, if you are looking at going down the same route, then I’m surprised you have made it so far down the article. Instead, where we see many shortcomings is when smaller businesses go it alone. They often adopt a lot of the stylistic choices on available, while neglecting many of the smaller factors which can make these areas so effective.

To begin with, the most important factor to consider is the opinion of those who already work there. What environments do they feel comfortable working in? What works about your current office design and what does not? What would they like to see? People can be resilient to change, so creating a design which is going to maintain harmony after the refurbishment is extremely important. Then you can begin to tailor the design based on your requirements. Which layout will work best? Is it possible to create different working areas with different conditions?

Before jumping ahead to pick out fabrics and colours, there is still the all-important factor of acoustics to finalise. If you have a large, busy office, then the noise is likely to be a concern. In situations like these, we would recommend using soft fabrics throughout to absorb some of those soundwaves. To protect yourself against any future issues then looks towards acoustic screens and acoustic wall panels to help control the ambient background noise.

The Finishing Touches

Then, and only then is it time for the fun stuff. Office design is far more meticulous than meets the eye, and sloppy designs will only hamper productivity. A complete re-design is often only done every five years or every decade or so. Therefore, investing the time into getting it right will stand you in good stead further down the line. Many businesses appear to have gone gung-ho in the open office craze in recent years, which has led to feelings similar to those expressed by Lindsey Kaufman. While that opinion is shared by many, it does not have to be the case when working in an open office. Careful consideration for the office design can make a substantial difference to the productivity and wellbeing of those working within them.

Acoustic Screens – Office Design

Go Displays are expert manufacturers of office partitions and acoustic pods. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we have extensive insight into how to create an effective office design. For further information on the services we provide, please call 01733 232000 or send an e-mail outlining your enquiry to sales@go-displays.co.uk.

How Brexit Makes British Products More Affordable

Every time there seems to be any uncertainty in Britain, we always here the same rallying call to ‘buy British’! You might be thinking it’s a broken record at this point, but this recognisable cry is not just a generic example of political rhetoric. Manufacturing was once the heartbeat of Britain, creating jobs, livelihoods and communities in its wake. Now, it’s largely outsourced around the world due to cheaper wages and higher profits. However, manufacturing still exists and the quality has not declined since Britain’s industrial heydey. Usually, you would expect to pay a premium for British goods, owing to a higher cost of living which hikes the price. Events over the past six months have begun to change that perception.

With the Brexit vote favouring a move to leave the European Union, this has caused the Sterling to slump. You may recall a similar speech being bandied around during the recession nearly 10 years ago. Essentially, when the pound slumps, this makes it more expensive for us to import. This is caused by the pound being worth considerably less when compared to a foreign currency. On the reverse, however, this makes exporting cheaper – ideal for foreign companies looking for quality goods. Even for British people, the weak pound is likely to drive up the price of everyday goods, making British alternatives more attractive.

Buy British – Credit: Cat Burton

What Have the Past 6 Months Suggested?

Voting to leave the European Union placed Britain in a unique situation, one never trodden before. The experts and the analysts filled our news feeds with the supposed doom and gloom which comes attached to leaving what had become a comfort zone. In the months since Britain has yet to implode, the economy is stable… for now and exports have increased. Rejuvenating the manufacturing industry has been on the government’s agenda for at least the last decade. Now, in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, there are shoots emerging which suggest this could become a reality.

Demand for British goods has held and even increased since Brexit. As the value of the pound came tumbling in the weeks and months later, this led to ‘Made in Britain’ being cheaper abroad. For instance, the average spending by foreign credit cards increased by 11%. Meanwhile, importing goods became more expensive, driving the price of foreign products up (the Marmite debacle is a great example of this).

However, this is not to suggest that Britain is going to transform itself into a powerhouse, such as China or India. Instead, it is utilising an educated and highly skilled workforce to create quality goods. The ‘Made in Britain’ marque which you may see adorning some products is as much an evaluation of quality as it is telling you where it is from. Goods ‘Made in China’ come attached with this stigma of cheap materials, cheap product. The opposite can be said of Britain, despite a lack of evidence to suggest the contrary.

Why is ‘Buy British’ Regarded So Highly?

The perception is that when you are buying British, you are buying quality. This all stems from brand Britain; the Industrial Revolution, the Royal Family and the British Empire. Its history is far from being covered in glory, but it creates resonance worldwide. In the east, China may struggle to shake off the image of packed factories, cheap labour and a lot of smog. Likewise, Britain is tightly associated with this identity of what it means to be ‘British’. This is not to say that goods produced in Britain are complete tat, quite the opposite. It’s a proven track record forged by Boeing, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, HP, Cadbury’s and so on. Each who forged this stock reputation, which every British manufacturer now follows.

Having an identity such as this gives the manufacturer’s something to strive towards. Products are designed and developed with the quality set as the main goal. For customers abroad, especially in developing countries, this is ideal due to high demand for quality goods. With the sterling at its weakest state in recent memory, there has never been a better time for foreign consumers to buy British.

Where Do British Consumers Stand?

Only a few weeks ago, across ‘the pond’, President Trump’s inauguration speech was centred around buying American and creating American jobs. The same theory was reverberated in the UK by Labour deputy, Tom Watson. The idea is that by supporting local manufacturers, this results in more jobs being created and more wealth being kept in Britain. Undoubtedly, as we move closer to Brexit, the government will look to shine the light on British goods to begin making up ground on its trade deficit.

In the coming years, we can expect the price of imported goods to increase. Meanwhile, after Brexit is complete, there is a good chance the cost of British goods will fall. This will primarily be caused by an independent Britain looking to reinvigorate its ‘self-sufficiency’. As inflation rises, this is likely to happen in tandem with the price of imported goods also on the rise. As a result, while British goods may not necessarily be cheaper, they will be more comparable. Significantly, this is one of the reasons why there is such a drive to ‘buy British’ as doing so will see more money being pumped into the British economy, rather than being sent abroad.

Buying British, for Britons is primarily an ideological decision. The rising cost of inflation will start to pose the question to consumers as to whether they prefer British cheese or Swiss, rather than which is cheaper. For those outside of Britain, there has never been a better time to buy British, certainly not in recent memory. While investors may have been turned away by relative instability, one-off orders are sometimes up to 10% cheaper when using the US dollar, a significant saving.

Buy British – Universal Screens

About Rap Industries

Rap Industries are a British manufacturer, based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Established for over 40 years, we have designed and produced office partitions and exhibition stands for clients across the UK and the world. If you wish to find out more about the services we provide, please call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

Predictions for the Future Following the Uncertainty of 2016

2017 is set to be a year of uncertainty for British manufacturing, that we can be sure of. As the first steps towards triggering article 50 are well underway, the entirety of Britain is asking, ‘what comes next’? When the country emerged from the recession at the end of 2009, then Chancellor, George Osbourne, set out his aspiration for “a Britain carried aloft by the march of the makers”. In the seven years since, while the manufacturing industry has seen steady gains, it remains inexplicably far from the future Osbourne envisioned. That vision for British manufacturers was once again blurred by the nation’s decision to vote to leave the European Union.

The result poses many questions which we may not know the answer to for at least two years, which makes preparing for today a challenge. As the value of Sterling has dropped, in an ideal world, this makes goods commonly carrying the marque, ‘made in Britain’, cheaper to export. In the days following the referendum, this is true to an extent. However, it glosses over multiple factors which also significantly impact British manufacturers. While exporting to countries abroad may be beneficial, the increased cost of importing is neglected. According to the latest press release from the Office for National Statistics, Britain is importing £38.8bn while exporting £26.1bn, creating a substantial deficit.

British Manufacturers – Credit: Jamie Kenny

The State of British Manufacturing as 2017 Commences

More than six months have now passed since the referendum vote and the proverbial dust has settled, for now. While the economy took an initial hit, it has steadily been growing once again amidst increasing inflation. In terms of manufacturing, IHS Markit released the promising results of its survey, the Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI. Surveys with over 600 companies revealed increased demand from the US, Europe, China, Middle East, India and other Asian markets. In the three months following the referendum, their results revealed a drop in factory output, however in the months since that output has grown to above average levels.

So, the demand is there, which is good news for British manufacturers at the time of writing. While the Sterling remains relatively weak, it’s a great time for exporters to begin reaching out to more foreign clients. This does, however, raise a question for domestic manufacturers. Generally, during periods of economic uncertainty, consumer spending tends to fall, leading to decreased sales and lower factory output. Early reports suggest that this is yet to happen, although British manufacturers should be prepared in the event that it does curtail in the months and years to come.

Provisions for British Manufacturers

Foreseeing what will happen in 2017 is tough to predict at this moment. What we do know is that the infamous, ‘article 50’ is likely to be triggered next month, in March. Theoretically, that should mean Britain will have left the European Union by April 2019. However, many speculate this process could take even longer. Once this is triggered, Britain can begin to negotiate its exit, although any trade deal is unlikely to be completed on the same time scale. To put things simply, the whole break-up process will be extremely complex. Therefore, it is necessary for British manufacturers to begin to prepare for a range of different scenarios rather than gambling on one.

One element to consider is the impact which immigration can have on factory workers. Early reports suggest that migrants from the EU currently in Britain will be allowed to stay following Brexit. However, the ‘flood of immigrants’ is likely to become more like a trickle as European workers look to make the most of the EU’s free movement of labour. Furthermore, as we discussed earlier, the cost of importing components from abroad has already and could potentially continue to increase. In order to accommodate this, British manufacturers may have to look at renegotiating their deal, looking for an alternative or find a domestic supplier.

Theoretically, the drive towards leaving the EU suggests that looking at domestic options could yield success in the future. In the labour market, employees are likely to come from a local background, opening the debate over apprenticeships once again. As Britain drives to become more self-reliant, its manufacturers who should look at home to find manpower and resources. The aim then would be to target the ‘global marketplace’, which should become more accessible once Britain’s exit from the EU is complete.

What Can We Hope for from 2017?

For now, British manufacturing is on the up. Factory output has been increasing, which is primarily driven by a growth in exports. Meanwhile, the uncertainty which caused consumer confidence to tremble appears to have settled for now. Once article 50 is triggered, nothing significant immediately changes, however, the markets and Sterling may take a hit as Britain commits to leaving the European Union. All the rhetoric coming from Westminster is talking about accessing ‘global marketplaces’ and the weak state of the Sterling means that there has never been a better opportunity to export in recent years.

Finding ways in which to access new markets is where challenges begin to arise. The British Chambers of Commerce is a great place to start if you are looking for advice for reaching out to certain regions. Meanwhile, for smaller businesses, a website is the ideal tool to reach out to customers abroad. This can be a challenge, however, it can provide a cheaper route than more traditional methods of exporting. If required, you could even hire a freelancer to localise your site in another language if there is a specific market you are looking to target.

Quality Over Quantity – A Forgotten Lesson

For many of those who like to scrimp and save, the idea of a bargain is always at the forefront when looking to buy. Whether it’s food, clothes or insurance, the clear majority of us will look to get the best possible price. This kind of thinking is fine in this context as the quality of the product is unlikely to change. However, a mindset such as this begins to seep into every purchase we make, often sacrificing that quality for a lower figure at the bottom. ‘Quality over quantity’ used to rule the way we shopped. Now, globalisation has driven down the prices of everyday items, while compromising on the sacred quality we once sought.

In some cases, such as with new technology, we often opt for expensive brand names, reassured in the knowledge our product is built to last. Yet with an array of alternative products such as clothing, cheap and easy are often the preferred choice. The problem with cheaper products is that there is always a catch. Usually, the lower price is the result of cheaper materials and haphazard manufacturing which is often outsourced. The resulting product usually looks great but deteriorates faster. For the business, this is ideal as assuming the product did its job, they receive repeat business more frequently. But for the consumer, the cost adds up exponentially while barely even realising.

Display Stands – Manufacturing – Credit: Cathy (HaglundC)

Securing a Return on Investment

When investing in anything, securing a return is usually high on the agenda. If it is one situation where the product is needed, then a lower cost product will result in a higher return on investment. Yet if there are multiple events on the horizon then the cost of having to purchase potentially more than one product comes into question. In the case of display stands, attending exhibitions is often not a one-off experience. There could be several events every year for any amount of years, so purchasing a stand which will last just one considerably cuts down the ROI.

If this is the case, then investing in quality will always prevail over a cheaper alternative. Not only does it help the budget, but it also helps with peace of mind. With a display stand, a fault could well lead to harming the exhibit or even see the stand itself collapse. Either consequence leads to damage to your brand, whether you represent an organisation or just yourself. All of this leans towards seeking longer term success and creating forecasts to the future. Lacking a similar outlook can lead to bloated expenses and setbacks which are unnecessary in the first place.

What Constitutes Quality with Display Stands

Display stands serve as a prime example where quality prevails over ‘quantity’. By now, most of us are aware of what a Made in China tag means. Whilst the product is more cost-effective, it also means that it is mass-produced, using cheaper materials which ultimately means that quality assurance has been sacrificed. There is nothing inherently wrong with the product, however, stress and strain caused by regular usage often lead to the item quickly degrading. In terms of appearance, there may be nothing immediate which meets the eye. Yet it is in the areas where you are unlikely to look, such as hinges for example, where corners are often cut.

These small considerations begin to come into play when display stands are in use. If the exhibition is busy, with people walking past and potentially knocking into the stand, it is essential that the product holds its own. A cheaper version, which may be completely fine when set up at home, may crumble in a genuine environment. At the base, slimline feet are crucial to prevent a slip hazard, which makes using a quality material here essential to the health and safety of the stand. By using a lightweight, flimsy metal, there will be significant cutbacks on the sturdiness of the feet. The only alternative is to make the feet bigger, leading to a trip hazard.

Offering Reassurances for the Future

When ordering through a supplier, they will often provide you with a 30-day money back guarantee. This is a similar setup say you were to purchase a pair of trousers from a store. Beyond that, there is (bar a lot of effort on your part) no way of getting the money back. Buy from a manufacturer direct and the product will come equipped with a three, five, ten or even lifetime guarantee. So, even despite that initial investment, should anything begin to unravel through no fault of your own, you will be covered by the manufacturer.

Importantly, this provides peace of mind. There is no niggling feeling at the back of the mind, worrying whether the stand will endure through a busy event. Instead, you are free to focus on the matter at hand, allowing the display stand to perform without any fuss. Select perks like this are often unseen and they are hardly factored into the price of the product. There is always a premium to pay when opting for quality, however, this is balanced out by the service or product which you receive.

Display Stands

Rap Industries have been designing and manufacturing office furniture and display stands for well over 40 years. Throughout this time, we’ve seen the design of these products change and adapt, but creating a quality product has always been at the heart of what we do. To find out more about the products we manufacture, please call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.

Building Foundations Locally Before Casting the Net Wider

When a new business starts up, one of the first calls to action is often to begin developing an online presence. After all, a website can technically provide access to anyone from around the world. Without it, outreach was restricted to a 10-mile vicinity. For many new and small businesses, It appears the logical choice when deciding on where to market the business. However, neglecting local marketing can and has proven to be the downfall of various companies. One high-profile example would be the supermarket chain, Tesco. With aspirations to expand their operations across the globe, the spotlight was pulled away from the core of their business.

As the company channelled its efforts into ventures in the US, competitors back in Britain regained ground on Tesco. Having invested upwards of £1.5billion into the venture, they eventually pulled the plug to re-focus its operations in the UK. While blaming their troubles wholly on the US venture would be inaccurate, but a combination of that and other serious issues led to customers staying away from its superstores. It is true that the target market is significantly smaller locally. However, those repeat customers form the foundations of any small business, so even with the rise of the online marketplace, local marketing must still be respected.

Local Marketing – Credit: Chris Bentley

What is Local Marketing?

Local marketing is commonly associated with knocking on doors, handing out flyers and standing outside shop fronts with signs. This is true in essence. Although in the age we live in, this approach is ineffective for your budget and your time. Digital technology has great potential for small businesses to access their local community without the need for time-consuming and expensive traditional techniques. In the past, communities used to gather in village halls and public houses. Now they have Facebook groups and Twitter feeds. Word-of-mouth has always held great value for businesses. Therefore, local marketing techniques must adapt to cultural trends to establish and nurture that trust.

If a customer is looking for a plumber, electrician or mechanic, the chances of them first going to the phonebook are far lower than in the past 10 years. The process is made simpler by going online, searching for the service they require, followed by their location. This will throw up tens of thousands of results to their query. If the first link that pops up is adorned by five stars and positive reviews, it is unlikely that the customer will look elsewhere. Local marketing now exists in a physical and digital space. So, nurturing techniques for both is crucial for any business to create a solid foundation of contacts.

Local Marketing Online

So, assuming your target audience is particularly ‘tech savvy’, the first thing you will be looking to do is to ensure your business is first for their search query. This is where having a website and ensuring onsite SEO is optimised will be crucial. Emphasising keywords on the page and optimising the design helps to show the search engine your website is worth ranking. Afterwards, improving the ranking further works much in the same way as word-out-mouth recommendations. Creating rich content which others link to or encouraging existing clients to feature you is excellent for demonstrating that your site is trustworthy.

Delving into SEO can get murky, especially if you are a sole trader as it can begin to eat away at your time. If this is the case, then a technique which is valuable for any small business is to employ a review system. These are integral to create trust, and there are various providers out there to help. One of the key problems when searching for products or services online is that you can never be completely sure who you are sending your money to. Amazon and eBay sellers thrive on their reviews. These demonstrate to potential customers who are unsure that their offer is not ‘too good to be true’.

Event Marketing and How Not to Waste Your Time and Money

Marketing is not restricted to sitting behind a desk all day, however. Getting out and about remains incredibly important for developing a reputation. Networking events are often the instinctive reaction in this setting. However, the value gained from giving up a morning to meet with businesses which may not even be relevant can be draining for both your and your business. Use the internet to gauge events such as these as well as exhibitions and trade shows in the local area. These bring potential clients and partners together and also offers the opportunity to show the face behind the business. In the same way that a web order may be swayed by the design of a site, a face-to-face customer may easily be convinced by the individual they could be working with. Exhibiting with panel and pole display boards are an excellent way of creating a professional first impression.

Begin any tactic with a well-thought through strategy. One which allows you to allocate your time to local marketing as well as to your business. Making your marketing strategy a success will require constant tweaking and testing to perfect. Whether it’s an event you wish you attend or a goal for your website, ensure the target is constantly in front of you. Local marketing is effective for your business when done correctly, but can become a horrible time-sink which can drain your effectiveness rapidly.

The Potential of Local Marketing

As we’ve discussed, the aim of local marketing is to create a presence within the surrounding community. Word-of-mouth is an incredibly valuable asset for any business, therefore local marketing serves to get that form of communication flowing. Whether it’s the quality of the product, the efficiency of the service or the friendliness of the staff, this is what the business should be shouting about. The way we consume information, however, has changed. Phone calls and leaflets are quickly passed off as spam and a nuisance, which is where local marketing is adapting. A positive reputation in the local community will provide the lifeblood for any small business and as a result provides solid foundations for future growth.

Local Marketing – Display Boards

Rap Industries design and manufacture office partitions and exhibition stands in Peterborough, UK. Established over 40 years’ ago, we have worked with clients in local and wider communities to create tailored solutions. For further information on the services we provide, either call 01733 394941 or send an e-mail to sales@rapind.com.